There is a new Netflix series that has taken the streaming world by fire, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” This show is about people who have way too much stuff (which we’re all probably guilty of at some point)! Marie is the sweetest little lady who aids people in decluttering their homes. She has an interesting take on how to select what to keep and what to give away. She tells her clients to look at an object and ask yourself if it, “sparks joy.”
At first, I laughed, and noticed it was trailed by memes (funny photos with messages) that said, “She told me to throw out what doesn’t spark joy! So far, I’ve thrown away the kale, my cleaning products and the treadmill.” Although I did giggle at the memes, I sat down and actually thought about it.
What if we all participated in this challenge? In the Bible it tells us:
Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourself treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will also be. – Matthew 6:19-21
The season of Lent is a perfect time to start a new practice. If it doesn’t “spark joy” for us, then why are we holding onto it? And this doesn’t only apply to material things. We all have things in our lives that we spend more time thinking about or doing than we spend on talking to God and doing His work. Unfortunately, this is part of our human nature, but during this season of Lent I am going to focus on storing up my treasures in Heaven and not here on earth.
Things I had to think about:
Which occupies more of my time/thoughts, God or earthly things? What are my actual treasures?
What are God’s desires and goals for my life?
Do mine match His?
Dear God, I pray this season of Lent I am able to have clear eyes of what your plans and goals are for me. I pray I have focus on what my true treasures are and the ability to acknowledge what sparks joy in my life and what does not. Thank you, God, for letting me be your child. Thank you for letting me rest in your love and never-ending joy. – Amen.
Taylor Easttom, Director of Children’s Ministry
